KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Game day is finally here for the Tennessee Volunteers.

The much anticipated offseason is in the rear view mirror, and now the continuous talk of the 2016 season is a distant memory.

In a matter of hours, Tennessee will open with Appalachian State from the Sun Belt conference. The Mountaineers are no pushover, and the Vols will need to be prepared and stay focused to defeat the third-year FBS program that is accustomed to winning.

Here are a few things that I would like to see during the contest:

1. Alvin Kamara 10 touches: It’s no secret that the Vols are going to use the versatile running back in various roles offensively this season. A good number to place on Kamara in the opening game is 10 total touches.

Whether he lines up in the backfield or in the slot, how he is used will be something to keep an eye on. Ten touches may be selling Kamara short in the opening game.

2. Preston Williams: How many and how often? Williams has been outstanding during fall camp, and all eyes are on the true sophomore wide receiver after his first year that was hampered by injury and a waiting game on clearance to play by the NCAA.

How many catches will Williams have – and how many times will he be thrown to? It will be interesting to see what the talented receiver finishes with statistically against Appalachian State, and an over/under of seven receptions is not out of the realm.

3. Kongbo’s debut: It was impressive to see Butch Jones and Bob Shoop close the deal in getting the top JUCO prospect to Rocky Top. It has been even more impressive to see Kongbo go through his offseason conditioning and his solid fall camp.

Can the highly-touted defensive lineman debut by recording 10 tackles and a pair of sacks? It’s quite possible with his ability to be versatile against the Mountaineer offense.

4. Jeff George’s presence: Another JUCO prospect who landed on Rocky Top. George has developed from spring-to-fall, and his 6-foot-5, 189-pound frame has been an addition in the passing offense. He’s an obvious red zone, fade route threat.

How often will Josh Dobbs look his way? I want to see at least five throws.

5. The number of Josh Dobbs TDs: A good over/under for the total number of touchdowns Dobbs may score is three. With an expectation of Tennessee throwing the ball more in the opening game, three touchdowns can be eclipsed by the senior quarterback. A pair of rushing touchdowns and a pair through the air is quite possible – or three through the air and one on the ground is also achievable.